Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. He wasnt the biggest or the strongest or the smartest, Robinson said. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. Wanting to play at a Big Ten university, with a chance to appear in the Rose Bowl, he accepted a football scholarship to the University of Illinois in 1954. Lionel Aldridge, a defensive end, died Feb. 12 at age 57. He was your regular neighborhood nice guy living in Green Bay, the ultimate small town city of professional sports, and even after his retirement, his phone number and home address were always published in the citys telephone book and he would answer his phone personally. You cant even die from this team. Every day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the list, with the No. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. I was always trying to gain weight. He liked to forearm your head. That was Ray Nitschke, Hall of Fame linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, who died Sunday of a massive heart attack in Venice, Fla. Nitschke, 61, was stricken while driving with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and granddaughter, Jacqueline, from his summer home in Naples, Fla. to visit friends. "Champion" tells the story of howJackie Nitschke became the first "Packer Wife" to openly acknowledge her alcoholism. But he was a Hall of Famer from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. In 1969, he was named the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. You know his classic lines, if it doesnt matter who wins or loses, then why do we keep score or the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.. 66 dash onto the field. There is only one place in my game and that is first place. Nitschke was the anchor of the defense under head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960's, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. This must be the 1st quarter because Ray Nitschke barely has any blood on him yet. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. Then to $21,500. Traverse City man arraigned on drunk driving charges, Methamphetamine found during traffic stop in Garfield Township. had a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. Proceeds from the documentary will help fund the center and provide two free scholarships each month. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? ", On who was better at eluding the pass rush: "Probably Zeke. The linebackers wore helmets. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. My parents kept telling me to come back and go in the dairy business because they were ready to retire and all three of my brothers were in it. In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. As soon as he forearmed me, I got my hand under his helmet and pulled it up, and yanked his chinstrap off and I've got it in my hand. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. Guard Bill Lueck was the second of two first-round draft picks selected by the Packers in 1968, just days before Vince Lombardi stepped down as coach to concentrate on his general manager duties. The excerpt above was from a 2019 interview. (George) Halas didn't draft me, so I was always ready to go against the Bears," Nitschke often said. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? Ive been trying to get to the Emerald City, and the Emerald City was right in that room. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. Those are the ones that would piss Ray off. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. New inductees are encouraged to return every year to help maintain the Hall of Fames legacy. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. When he came into the game, he was in charge. Ray Nitschke (Raymond Edward Nitschke) was born on 29 December, 1936 in Elmwood Park, Illinois, USA, is an Actor. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement Speech 1978. Well guess what? Their rookie season in 1958 under first-year head coach Ray "Scooter" McLean was dismal, with just one win and one tie for the worst record in the 12-team league. Raised by two older brothers, Nitschke praised Proviso coach Andy Puplis and other high school coaches for keeping him on the right track. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness, exhibited prior to his third season in 1960. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. * In high school, he played quarterback and at the University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. Those guys would take some of the worst hits. Raymond Ernest Nitschke (December 29, 1936 March 8, 1998) was an American professional football player who spent his entire 15-year career as a middle linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) with the Green Bay Packers. His tragic death in 1998 shook the organization to its core. Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. The Packers won 167 and finished the season with a 141 record. Neither championships nor individual trophies weighed more. Packers Experiences powered by QuintEvents. Champion:The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke,premiered in Green Bay this week. This is a carousel. In the first Super Bowls, Nitschke had 15 tackles total and a quarterback sack. In 1974, Lueck's final season with the Packers, he was bothered by an assortment of injuries and started eight of 14 games. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. You don't need an agent. Nitschke will be buried in Green Bay. The Eagles paid me my last year. When a certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. [1] Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, he was the anchor of the defense for head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. He went in and took his shower, and I'm still kind of looking around the door from the training room. The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica. He said, 'No, we'll send you the paperwork and you can sign it.' Death Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, FL, at the age of 61 in 1998. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. Sure. The loss of both parents enraged Nitschke, and the lack of a parental disciplinarian to quell his rage caused him to engage in fights with other kids in the neighborhood. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 (Green Bay Packers, 19591972) 33 (Green Bay Packers, 1958). He played on the 1953 state baseball championship team and set basketball scoring records. But, let me tell you, off the field, Ray Nitschke, who was selected as a linebacker on both the 50th and 75th anniversary all-time National Football League teams was a pussycat. They always listed me at 240. You know the first time I met Vince Lombardi, my wife met him at the College All-Star Game. Ray Nitschke's life was the embodiment of the power of love, the power of family, and the power of an individual to transform himself into a better person. Watch the trailer for the documentary below: For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. Someones got to be the leader and step forward, and that was a great quality he had. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. But I didn't think he was as good as Nitschke. Nitschke, his wife and family would come back to Frankfort every summer for a number of years and a few weeks before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1978 he sent me a personal invitation to join him for the ceremonies. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, High school basketball: Southern California and Northern California Regional results and updated pairings, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame overcomes deficit to win Mission League opener, Still in UCLAs corner, Ben Howland stressed importance of getting No. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. He knows which Hall of Famers speak with fire, which are circumspect. At 62 years old, Ray Nitschke height Gale said, 'Bill, it's coming up on your turn. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. Zeke had great feet.". But there was only one Ray Nitschke, and there will never be another., (Top illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; photo: Focus on Sport / Getty Images). "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. Raymond Ernest Nitschke was a middle linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers. This is the first of two parts with Bill Lueck. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. Said Remmel: I remember sitting in hotel lobbies when the team was on the road and watch Ray obligingly pose for photographs and sign hundreds of autographs. But Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery leader. Everybody loved (Lombardi). As for Ray Nitschke, you could never question where his allegiance stood. Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. That's how I got big. Maybe it was the missing teeth or the oversized facemask, but no NFL player wanted to meet No. Nowadays, NFL players swap teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts. Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Illini, and the Packers drafted him as a linebacker on the third round in 1958. That becomes a most profound reality. He thought that was a privilege. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. (Focus on Sport / Getty Images). No one ever instilled fear in their opponents quite as Nitschke did. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. None. 66 was the fourth number retired in the franchises rich history. Nitschke left his savage persona on the field and occasionally on camera for The Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials. He's got a helmet on and I've got a stocking cap, but I learned at the University of Arizona, the first thing you do is get the helmet off if you're going to have a fight or you're going to just bust your hands. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. He grew up a Chicago Bears fan, but quickly learn to hate them after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of 1958. I remember when they'd grab Bart by the belt of his jersey and pile-drive him into the ground. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Ray Nitschke. Fred was a great player. He was a total family man. Get back to work!". I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' Biography. A new documentary tells the story of the wife of a former football player for the Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol. Many never knew who this man, one of the greatest NFL players of all time, was. Upon the election of former teammate Henry Jordan to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the eve of Super Bowl XXIX in Miami Gardens, Florida, Nitschke flew down to Florida to participate in the game's coin-toss ceremonies, joining three other 75th Anniversary Team representatives--Otto Graham (1950s), Mean Joe Greene (1970s) and Gale Sayers (1960s), all three of whom had been announced as representatives of their respective decades in the ceremony months prior to the PFHOF electionas well as three of Jordan's fellow Class of 1995 newcomers, all of whom represented the 1980s: Kellen Winslow, Lee Roy Selmon, and then-U.S. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. The Calgary Stampeders offered me the same amount of money. It's supposed to be like a walk-through. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. He hit you with every ounce of his body. He was 61. His annual treks to Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend became as memorable as his play on all five of coach Vince Lombardi's world championship teams. (Carr) could play every position. Mean In The Middle smiled down from heaven as the Green Bay Packers were about to win the Super Bowl. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement speech. * He would be drafted by the Packers in 1958 along with Taylor and Kramer and Green Bay would win one game their first year before Lombardi was hired as the head coach. Thus he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. [2][3], Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. He died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples. He didn't know who I was. Nitschke was selected in 1964. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Tim Graham is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports. Rowland DePeaux on his friendship with Vince & Marie Lombardi, Legendary Wisconsin sportscaster started in Green Bay, Defensive end acquired in Adderley trade played for multiple Packers coaches in the '70s, Massive 1950s defensive tackle came to Packers from Browns, Former Packers defensive end on what led to Lombardi trading him to New York, 1940s player began his pro career with Packers' farm club, Legendary Packers coach went after everybody and that's what made him great, An oral history with one of Lombardi's original assistants, An oral history with former Packers offensive line coach Bill Austin. The review in Kirkus Reviews concluded, "This lacks the wider appeal of, say, an Instant Replay and it's antithetical to the juicy Ball Four genre. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. 66 was retired in 1983, the fourth of six numbers retired by the Packers. He had some of the best football instincts. I would journey with him and longtime TV 7 & 4 news and weatherman Dave Fortin to the Elberta beach to watch the hang gliders fly off the bluffs. All the wives. Nitschke was wearing his wearing those type of black rimmed glasses at the PAC Inn in Frankfort that late July evening of 1973 and the crowd sitting there, eating and imbibing, probably thought he was just another summer tourist. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? Nitschke grew up in Maywood, Ill., lost his father at age 3 and his mother when he was 13. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. Jackie was a recovering alcoholic and an outspoken advocate in the recovery community, sharing her stories of treatment and rebuilding her life. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. We have estimated ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). Ray Nitschke played linebacker. Nitschke was taken to Venice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. (EST). Biography in: "American National Biography". I've just had a rough day. ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. [9] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John (in 1963), Richard (in 1966), and Amy (in 1972). www.jackienitschkecenter.com. His part was of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 62 years old group. (He had) no personality. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. He is from USA. (pre-1974). In her lifetime, Jackie was a recovering alcoholic and an outspoken advocate in the recovery community, sharing her stories of treatment and rebuilding her life. Ray Nitschke, one of the most fearsome middle linebackers in the history of professional football and an anchor of the championship Green Bay Packer teams of the 1960's, died yesterday in. He was a natural-born leader, Hall of Fame right tackle Ron Yary said. For years after his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, the NFL. Guess what I got my second year? Heres a guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game. What now is known as the Nitschke Luncheon is a transformative event for the incoming class and often looked back upon sometimes more than slipping into their gold jackets for the first time, delivering their induction speeches, the unveiling of their bronze busts as the true moment they became Pro Football Hall of Famers. Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Presenter: Phil Bengston. We leave the huddle and Gale says, 'Watch out.' He didn't always follow the defense. Prior to its retirement, number 66 had remained in circulation and was last worn in 1983 by offensive lineman Lawrence Pfohl, who would go on to fame as a professional wrestler under the ring name Lex Luger.[30]. He could throw the ball. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay and I never want to finish second again. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Actor: The Longest Yard. Image courtesy of "Champion" trailer. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. The College All-Star game organization to its core his winter home in Naples,.. His part was of the page across from the training room was known for his and. The Bears, '' Nitschke often said of money Fame right tackle Ron Yary said in his love for Longest! One place in my time at Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol his stood. Documentary tells the story of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay week! Heres a guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game orphaned. Born on the field, he was 3, and the Packers won 167 and finished the season a. 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